General Instructions:-

1. The question paper consists of five sections (A, B, C, D and E) with 30 questions in total.
2. All questions are compulsory.
3. Question numbers 1-12 are multiple choice questions of one mark each.
4. Question numbers 13-18 are of 2 marks each. Answers to these questions should not
exceed 50-60 words each.
5. Question numbers 19-23 are of 4 marks each. Answers to these questions should not
exceed 100-120 words each. There is an internal choice in two of the 4 marks questions
6. Question numbers 24-26 are passage, cartoon and map-based questions. Answer
accordingly.
7. Question numbers 27-30 are of 6 marks each. Answers to these questions should not
exceed 170-180 words.
8. There is an internal choice in 6 marks questions.

S. DESCRIPTION OF QUESTION MARK

NO. (S)
SECTION-A
1. “Politics envelops us like the coils of a snake and there is no other way out but to wrestle with it”. 1
Who observed it?
(a) Karl Marx (b) Rousseau (c) M K Gandhi (d) Dr B R Ambedkar
Ans.: (c) M K Gandhi 1
2. Assertion: To act responsibly, political theory is helpful to have a basic knowledge of the political 1
ideas and institution the shape the world we live in.
Reason : In the information society, it is crucial that we learn to be reasonable and informed.
Choose the correct option:-
(a) Both the Assertion and Reason are correct and the Reason is the correct explanation of
the Assertion.
(b) Both the Assertion and Reason are correct and but the Reason is not the correct
explanation of the Assertion
(c) The Assertion is incorrect but the Reason is correct
(d) The Assertion is correct but the Reason is incorrect
Ans.: (a) Both the Assertion and Reason are correct and the Reason is the correct explanation of 1
the Assertion.
3. Which one of the following statements in context to Negative Liberty is INCORRECT? 1
(a) It seeks to define and defend an area in which the individual would be inviolable, in which he or
she could ‘do, be or become……
(b) The inviolable area is which, where no external authority can interfere.
(c) The existence of the ‘minimum are of interference’ is the recognition that human nature and
human dignity need an area where the person can act unobstructed others.
(d) It is concerned with explaining the idea of ‘Freedom to’.
Ans.: (d) It is concerned with explaining the idea of ‘Freedom to’. 1
4. Who of the following 19th century thinker argued that the root cause of entrenched inequality was 1
private property?
(a) Rousseau (b) John Stuart Mill (c) Karl Marx (d) Voltaire
Ans.: (c) Karl Marx 1
 S .No. Jurisdiction Code Area of concern
5. A Original Jurisdiction (i) Settles disputes
The rights and obligations of citizens are listed in the Constitution. Identify betweenthe Union andof States
articles Indian 1
Constitution. and amongst states
B 5-11
(a) Article Appellate Jurisdiction
(b) Article 14-16 (ii) (c) Tries appeal
Article 19-21from lower courts 23-25
(d) Article in civil, criminal
Ans.: (a) Article 5-11 and Constitutional cases 1
6. MatchC the followings:-
Advisory Jurisdiction (iii) Advises the President on matters of public 1
importance and law
[Link]. Separatist Movement CODE Country
D Writ Jurisdiction (iv) Can issue writs of Habeas Corpus, Mandamus,
A Quebecois (i) Canada
Prohibition, Certiorari and Quo Warranto.
B Basques (ii) Northern Spain
C Kurds (iii) Iraq
C Tamils (iv) Sri Lanka
Choose the correct option:-
(a) A-(i),B-(ii), C-(iii) and D-(iv) (b) A-(iv,B-(iii), C-(ii) and D-(i)
(c) A-(i),B-(iii), C-(ii) and D-(iv) (d) A-(i),B-(iv), C-(iii) and D-(ii)
Ans.: (a) A-(i),B-(ii), C-(iii) and D-(iv) 1
7. Assertion:-A constitution must strike the right balance between certain values, norms & procedures 1
as authoritative and at the same time allow enough flexibility in its operations to adapt to changing
needs & circumstances.
Reason : Successful constitution strike the right balance between preserving core values and
adapting them to new circumstances.
Choose the correct option:-
(a) Both the Assertion and Reason are correct and the Reason is the correct explanation of
the Assertion.
(b) Both the Assertion and Reason are correct and but the Reason is not the correct
explanation of the Assertion
(c) The Assertion is incorrect but the Reason is correct
(d) The Assertion is correct but the Reason is incorrect
Ans.: (a) Both the Assertion and Reason are correct and the Reason is the correct explanation of 1
the Assertion
8. Which one of the following statement is not true in context to political philosophy of Indian 1
Constitution?
(a) It is liberal democratic egalitarian, secular, federal, open to community values
(b) Not sensitive to the needs of religious and linguistic minorities as well as historically
disadvantaged groups
(c) Committed to building a common national identity
(d) Committed to freedom, equality, social justice, respect for diversity
Ans.: (b) Not sensitive to the needs of religious and linguistic minorities as well as historically 1
disadvantaged groups
9. Which of the following is a good reason to conclude that the authority of the constitution is higher 1
than that of the parliament?
(a)- The constitution was framed before the parliament came into being
(b)- The constitution makers were more eminent leaders than the members of the parliament
(c) –The constitution specifies how parliament is to be formed and what are its powers
(d)- The constitution cannot be amended by the parliament
Ans.: The constitution specifies how parliament is to be formed and what are its powers 1
10. Match the followings:
 Choose the correct option:-
(a) A-(i),B-(ii),C-(iii) & D-(iv) (b) A-(i),B-(ii),C-(iv) & D-(iii)
(c) A-(iv,B-(iii),C-(ii) & D-(i) (d) A-(i),B-(iii),C-(ii) & D-(iv)
Ans.: (a) A-(i),B-(ii),C-(iii) & D-(iv)
11. Which pair of states adopted the Panchayati Raj System soon after its enactment in 1993? 1
(a) Andhra Pradesh & Rajasthan (b) Rajasthan & Madhya Pradesh
(c ) Gujarat & Maharasthtra (d) Andhra Pradesh & Kerala
Ans.: (a) Andhra Pradesh & Rajasthan 1
12. Which of the following committee recommended constitutional recognition for the local bodies? 1
(a) P.K. Thungon Committee, 1989 (b) S. Nijalingappa Committee,1988
(c) Balwant Rai Mehta, 1957 (d) G Parthsarthi Committee,1967
Ans.: (a) P.K. Thungon Committee, 1989 1
SECTION-B
13. How political theorists clarify the meaning of political concepts? 2
Ans.:  By looking at how they are understood and used in ordinary language 1
 They also debate and examine the diverse meanings and opinions in a systematic manner. 1
14. Why banning is an easy solution for the short term but very harmful for the long-term? 2
Ans.: Banning is an easy solution for the short term since it meets the immediate demand but is very 2
harmful for the long-term prospects of freedom in a society because once one begins to ban then
it develops a habit of banning.
15. What is John Rawls’ Theory of Justice? 2
Ans.: If people are asked to choose the kind society in which they would like to live, they are likely to 2
choose one in which the rules and organisation of society allot them a privileged position.
16. Which provision adds to the strength of the Rajya Sabha as its special power? 2
Ans.: If the Union Parliament wishes to remove a matter from the State List 2
(over which
only the State Legislature can make law) to either the Union or
Concurrent List in the
interest of the nation, the approval of the Rajya Sabha is necessary.
17. How since 1989 major political changes have considerably increased the importance of 2
Presidential office?
Ans.:  In last six parliamentary elections held from 1989 to 2009, no single party or 1
coalition attained a majority in the Lok Sabha. These situations demanded
presidential intervention either in order to constitute governments or to grant a
request for dissolution of Lok Sabha by a Prime Minister who not prove majority in
the House.
 It may thus be said that presidential discretion is related to political conditions.
There is greater scope for presidential assertiveness when governments are not 1
stable and coalitions occupy power.
18. “Strengthening local governments is like strengthening democratic processes”. Put light on the
statement.
Ans.:  It is at the level of local government that common citizens can be 1
involved in decision making concerning their lives, their needs and
above all their development
 It is necessary that in a democracy, tasks, which can be performed
locally, should be left in the hands of the local people and their 1
representatives. Common people are more familiar with their local
government than with the government at the State or national level. They are
also more concerned with local government does or has failed to do as it
has a direct
bearing and impact on their day-to-day life.
 Question Hours Zero Hour
It is held every day during sessionsSECTION-C of Where members are free to raise any
Parliament, where Ministers have to matter that they
canthink
such is important (though
19 Disputes may sometimes arise even in democratic societies. How disputes be resolved? 4
respond to searching questions raised by the ministers are not bound to reply), half-
Ans.:  The right to protest is an aspect of the freedom of expression guaranteed to citizen in our 1
the members. an-hour discussion on matters of public
Constitution, provided protest does not harm the life or property of other people or the
importance.
State.
 Citizens are free to try and influence public opinion and government policy by forming 1
groups, holding demonstrations, using the media, appealing to political parties, or by
approaching the courts.
 If the guiding principle of providing full and equal membership to all citizens is kept in 1
mind, it should be possible to arrive at an acceptable solution to the problems that may
arise from time to time in a society.
 A basic principle of democracy is that such disputes should be settled by negotiations and 1
discussions rather than force.
20 What makes Indians secularism distinctive?
Ans.:  It arose in the context of deep religious diversity that predated the advent of Western 1
modern ideas and nationalism.
 There was already a culture of ‘inter-religious tolerance’ in India. However, we must not
forget that tolerance is compatible with religious domination. 1
 It may allow some space to everyone but such freedom is usually limited. Besides
tolerance allows us to put up with people whom we find deeply repugnant. 1
 This is a great virtue if a society is recovering from a major civil war or partition but not in
times of peace where people are struggling for equal dignity and respect. 1
21 How does a constitution relate to our daily existence? 4
Ans.: ⚫ Constitution allows co-ordination & assurance: To provide a set of basic rules that allows 1
for minimal co-ordination & assurance amongst members of a society.
⚫ Specification of decision making powers: It decides how the government will be
constituted. To specify who has the power to make decisions in society. 1
⚫ Limitations on the power of government: To set some limit on what a government can

impose on it citizens. These limitations are fundamental in sense that government may 1
never trespass them.
⚫ Aspirations and goals of a society: To create conditions for a just society and to enable the
government to fulfil the aspirations of a society and its people. 1
⚫ Fundamental identity of people : Finally, and perhaps the most importantly, a constitution
expresses the fundamental identity of an individual along with political and moral
identity etc. (Any four points)
22 Distinguish between Question Hour and Zero Hour. Why Question Hour is the most effective method 2+2=4
of keeping vigil on the executive and the administrative agencies of government?
Ans.: Question Hours and Zero Hour:- 2

Question Hour is the most effective method:-

2
Members of Parliament shown great interest in question hour and maximum attendance is
recorded during this time. Most of the questions aim at eliciting information from the
government on issues of public interest such as, price rise, availing of food grains, atrocities
on weaker sections of society, riots, black marketing etc.
23 Some issues still remain a bone of contention between the Judiciary and Parliament. Examine 4
briefly all those.
Ans.: 🞂 Can the Judiciary intervene in and regulate the functioning of the legislatures? 1
🞂 Can a person who is held guilty for breach of parliamentary privileges seek
protection of the courts? 1
🞂 Can a member of the legislature against whom the legislature has 1
taken disciplinary action get protection from the court?
These issues are unresolved and are matters of potential conflict between the two.
1
🞂 Similarly, the Constitution provides that the conduct of judges cannot be discussed
in the Parliament..............
SECTION-D
24 Read the paragraph carefully and then answer the questions that follows:
i. b. Moving of a person from the party to another party which he got elected.
ii. b. 52nd amendment act
iii. d. Party leadership
iv. b. 1985

25. Read the given below cartoon carefully and then answer the question that follow: 4
i. The Parliament is the boss and the ministers are looking very humble here. This is because the
Parliament has the power to sanction money to the different ministers.
ii. Powers of Lok sabha-
a. Framing of Laws.
b. Finance bills are initiated in the House of People only
c. The Council of Ministers is responsible to the House of the People. The Council of Ministers can
be functional till it enjoys the confidence of the House of People.
d. Amendment in Constitution:
e. Election of the President and the Vice President
f. bring a motion of impeachment of the President, discuss removal of Vice-President, discuss for
removal of judges of high court and supreme court.

26 In the given political outline map of India, four states have been marked as A ,B, C & D. Identify
these states on the basis of information given below and write their correct names in your answer
book along with the
respective serial number of information used and the concerned alphabet as per the
following format:-
(i) State, in 2002, the Election Commission decided to postpone elections to the State Assembly.
(ii) State, having a bicameral legislature since 2014.
(iii) Chief Justice of the High Court of this state was accused of misappropriating funds.
(iv) In 1977, the government of this state brought out a document demanding a restructuring of
Centre-state relations in India.

Ans.: Serial Number of Information Used Concerned Alphabet Name of the State
(i) A Gujarat
(ii) B Andhra Pradesh
(iii) C Haryana
(iv) D West Bengal
SECTION-E
27 What is Harm Principle? Distinction Between Self-regarding actions & other-regarding actions as per 2 + 4
John Stuart Mill. =6
Ans.: Harm Principle:- The sole end for which mankind are warranted individually or collectively in 2
interfering with the liberty of action of any of that number is self-protection that the only purpose
for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community against his
will is to prevent harm to others..............
Distinction Between Self-regarding actions & other-regarding actions as per John Stuart
Mill:-
Self-regarding actions Other-regarding actions
• the actions that have consequences • those actions that also have
only for the individual actor and consequences of others
nobody else. 4

• the state has no business to interfere • there is some case of external

interferences
2 Marks 2 Marks
OR
What is meant by equality of opportunities? Distinguish between Natural & Social Inequalities. 2 + 4
=6
Equality of opportunities :- The concept of equality implies that all people, as human beings are 2
entitled to the same rights and opportunities to develop their skills and talents, and to pursue
their goals and ambitions. This means that in a society people may differ with regard to their
choices and preferences. They may also have different talents and skills which results in some
being more successful in their chosen careers than others....................
Natural & Social Inequalities:-
Natural Inequalities Social Inequalities 4
 Are those that emerge between  Are those that emerge as a
people as a result of their different consequence of inequalities of
capabilities and talents opportunities or the exploitation of
some groups in a society by others
 Natural inequalities are considered  Social inequalities are those created
to be the result of the different by society.
characteristics and abilities with
which people are born
2 Marks 2 Marks
28 What is the importance of political rights? How rights place obligations upon each of us? 2 + 4
=6
Ans.: Importance of Political Rights:- 2
 Political rights give to the citizens the right to equality before law and the right to participate
in the political process.
 Political rights making the government accountable to the people, by giving greater
importance to the concerns of the individual over that of the rulers and by ensuring that all
persons have an opportunity to influence the decisions of the government.
Rights place obligation upon each of us:- 4
 Firstly, they compel us to think not just of our own personal needs and interests but to
defend some things as being good for all of us.
 Secondly, they require that we respect the rights of others. We must refrain from interfering
in the choices that others make.
 Thirdly, we must balance our rights when they come into conflict. We should not violate the

rights of others.
 Fourthly, citizens must be vigilant about limitations which may be placed on their rights.
OR
 Discuss in brief the principles of social justice. 6
Ans.: 1. Equal treatment for Equals: It is considered that all individuals share certain 2
characteristics as human beings, therefore they deserve equal rights and equal treatment.
Apart from equal rights, the principle of treating equals equally would require that people
should not be discriminated against on grounds of class, caste, race or gender. They should
be judged on the basis of their work and actions and not on the basis the group to which
they belong.
2. Proportionate Justice: Justice would mean rewarding people in proportion to the scale 2
and quality of their efforts.
Most people would agree that although people should get the same reward for the same
work, it would be fair and just to reward different kinds of work differently if we take into
account factors such as efforts required, the possible dangers involved in that work, and so
on The Principle of
equal treatment needs to be balanced with the principle of proportionality.
3. Recognition of special needs: While distributing the rewards and duties special needs are
2
to be recognized. This would be considered a way of promoting social justice in terms of
their basic status and rights as members of the society justice may require that people be
treated equally .
The principle of taking account of the special needs of people does not necessarily
contradict the principle of equal treatment so much as extend it because the principle of
treating equals equally could imply that people who are not equal in certain important
respects could be treated differently.
29 Examine in brief the Objective Resolution (1946). 6
 India is an independent, Sovereign and Republic. India shall be a union. 1
 Territories forming the union shall be autonomous units and exercise all powers and 1
functions at the govt. and admin.
 All powers and authority of sovereign and independent India and its constitution shall 1
flow from the people.
 All people of India shall be guaranteed and secured social, economic and political justice 1
equality of status and opportunity.
 The minorities, backward and tribal areas, depressed and other backward classes shall be 1
provided adequate safeguards.
 The territorial integrity of the Republic and its sovereign rights on land, sea and air shall be
maintained according to justice and law of civilized nations. And the land would make full 1
and willing contribution to the promotion of world peace and welfare of mankind.
OR
What is preventive detention? Mention in brief the rights of an accused. 3+3=6
Ans.: Preventive Detention:- 3
⚫ A person can be arrested simply out of an apprehension that he or she is likely to engage in
unlawful activity and imprisoned for some time.
⚫ Means that if the government feels that a person can be a threat to law and order or to
the peace and security of the nation, it can detain or arrest that person.
⚫ However it could be extended to three months only.
To ensure a fair trial in courts the constitution has provided three rights:-
3
⚫ No person would be punished for the same offence more than once;
⚫ No law shall declare any action as illegal from a backdate and
⚫ No person shall be asked to give evidence against himself or herself.
30 Write a short note on the implementation of 73rd amendment of the Constitution of India. 6
Ans.:  All states have now passed a legislation to implement the provision of the 73rd & 1
74th amendments.
 During the last twenty years since these amendments come into force (1994-2014) most 1
states have had at least 4/5 rounds of elections to the local bodies.
 Women empowerment could also be seen in local rural and urban self bodies. The 1
provision for reservation for women at the Panchayats and Nagarpalikas has ensured
the presence of a significant number of women in local bodies.
 These institutions have been proved as the first temple of Indian democracy. 1
 The 73rd & 74th amendments have created uniformity in the structures of Panchayati 1
Raj & Municipal inst.
 The presence of these local institutions is by itself a significant achievement and 1
would create an atmosphere and platform for people's participation in government.
OR
Critically examine the important provisions that create a strong central government. 6
 The very existence of a State including its territorial integrity is in the hands of Parliament. 1
The Parliament is empowered to ‘form a new State by separation of territory from any
State or by uniting two or more States….’ It can also alter the boundary of any State or
even its name.
 The Constitution has certain very powerful emergency provisions, which can turn our 1
federal polity into a highly centralised system once emergency is declared. During an
emergency, power becomes lawfully centralised.
 Even during normal circumstances, the central government has very effective financial
powers and responsibilities. Items generating revenue sources are under the control of the 1
Central Government.
 The Governor has certain powers to recommend dismissal of the State government and
the dissolution of the Assembly. Besides, in normal circumstances Governor has the 1
power to reserve a bill passed by the State legislature, for the assent to the President.
 There may be occasions when the situation may demand that the central needs to
legislate on matters from the State list. This is possible if the move is ratified by the Rajya 1
Sabha.
 In the integrated administrative system, the officer appointed from All India Services such
as IAS/IPS, are under the control of Central Government. States can neither take 1
disciplinary action nor can they remove these officers from services.